Yesterday we spent some time at my mama’s house. “We” being all of us, including Lucy. Who absolutely LOVES running around in my mom’s yard – not because of the space to roam, but because of the water…

I start this message out with a question … What does it mean to Truly Love yourself? Sure, we all know the basics – take more time for ourselves, exercise, eat better, yadda, yadda. What about the REAL love? The one you are missing when your brain ventures off on the tangents of exercise, taking more time, and eating better?

Have you thought about what it takes you love yourself as an individual? You know you like this food and hate that food. You know you enjoy this program and hate…

My husband WAS on unemployment for over two years and all of a sudden he ran out of benefits. I am a part time school bus driver and I have been laid off for the summer and unable to collect unemployment. ( I was not employed there long enough)I hate to admit it but our family is somehow broke! well, broke in the sense that we cannot pay all of our bills and we are struggling month to month. so, yes, I would call that being broke. Somehow, through others generosity we are barely surving. I…

I was talking to my sister in law on the phone and my adventrous son (whom is 2) desided to get into mischief. This is nothing new to him. Anyway he found (on my desk) my stapler well he was walking around with it playing like little boys do. He went by his sister who was on the computer playing a game. I, still conversersing with my sister in law, catch Carolyn saying "Nathan leave me alone". He was over there by his sister trying to staple his sister. (Thank goodness it was empty). As I see… Continue

This was 19 (wow I can really say that?) years ago. I was 16 and had my learners permit (uh oh stay off the road right?? wrong more like stay in the house you are safer that way.) It was morning and breakfast was getting ready and we ran out of eggs. My dad (though he denies this part and says that I stole the jeep) tells me "go to the store and get some eggs. Here are the keys to the jeep be careful and take your brother with you and if he is good get him a donut." (step brother really but…

The only time it will be selfless to say, “I need’ is when…
I need to have the right motive for why I want to be your friend.
I need my motives to be selfless.
I need to learn your name and call you by that name.
I need to listen to your words and hear the joy and pain behind them.
I need to pay attention.
I need to look you in the eyes when I talk to you and when you talk to me.
I need to earn your trust.
I need not know your darkest secrets in order to… Continue

I work full time and I am a student. When I was first approached about being a Team Beachbody Coach, I said, "No, I just don't have the time." But I fell in love with Shakeology's healing ingredients, lost weight, and regained my health. I've learned the importance of eating whole foods and exercising. Now as a Coach, I share what I LOVE online, at work, etc and earn a second income doing so! My co-workers and family have really noticed my weight loss and glow. No more migraines, hormonal… Continue

Usually I try to be nice, I really do. Sometimes, I just have to open my mouth.
While grocery shopping one day, my hubby and I decided to go through the candy free check-out. There were books instead of candy. (What I need is a temptation free check-out.) There was an older woman in front of us.
My daughter was looking at the books, naming all the characters that she knew. As Stacia and I were counting how many of the books she already has,… Continue

Hey all! I thought you might be interested that I'm holding a contest this week for those who sign up for an account and order a Heritage Makers heirloom on my site (http://StorybookWithCharm)! HM products are perfect for displaying our photography! and creating family heritage!

As I'm starting my business, you'd be helping tremendously in reaching my sales goal as a new consultant! AND you'll be discovering the wonderful world of becoming a Heritage Maker for your… Continue

When we have our babies, it is natural to transform into “mama bear”, stopping at nothing to defend and protect. For the mama who has a child facing additional challenges, this instinct goes into overdrive. Having a child with autism has made me respond to certain comments irrationally. I can be oversensitive – even when comments are said in kindness or without any intention of harm.

Can you imagine saying something mean to that cute face? I did and it didn’t feel good.

Mornings around our house are always hectic. The other day, my five-year-old woke up excited that the long awaited kindergarten trip to the fire station had arrived. The best part – I was going along as a classroom volunteer. She is a real mama’s girl, so that was a pretty big deal in her little world.

I posted a blog recently about the value of saying “No” to kids. The gist was:

1) Your kids will be fine if they don’t get what they want all the time.
2) If you’re going to say “No” then be sure to follow through – unless you like to lead the double life of parent and white noise machine.

I just discovered another good time to say “No”– when it comes to buying them nice things. Ya know why?… Continue

I was online the other night participating in a Twitter party. The topic of discussion was food – kiddo food, healthy snacks, on-the-go foods, etc.

Since I’m not a big foodie type, I didn’t think I’d have much to contribute to the conversation. My kids eat well, but I’m not a health nut and don’t spend hours in the kitchen creating beautiful meals for my family. In short, my kids have not had a Twinkie-free existence and occasionally… Continue

To all of you who commented with moving advice on my blog post over at www.thebabymachine.com – if I could reach through this computer screen and give you a big squeezy hug, I would. I owe you my sanity. What those comments confirmed was that if you want the very best advice – go straight to the mamas.

My wife's grandfather passed away today. I met the man a few times. There are moments where I can actually feel when I am accepted in another person’s family but it’s hard to reciprocate that same emotion outwards.

For a brief moment while I stared at the man in the coffin I imagined that it was my father. A wave of unexpected emotion enveloped me. I made this experience personal. The family thanked me for it, how guilty if not for my own selfish reasons to have my feelings displayed… Continue

Divorce rates among couples are between 80-90% . This devistates me but I can understand . The stress of one parent reading and researching day and night for answers of this diagnoses handed to you by a doctor. Gift wrapped in puzzle peices with one missing. Not knowing where to turn or what will help. And one of the parents may not be so involved and think it will just blow over or not show the support. Autism can bring stress in the life of a… Continue